Code Orange Issued for Possible Eruption

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Code Orange Issued for Possible Eruption

From the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in 2010. Photo: Páll Stefánsson.

A Code Orange has been issued in light of increased likelihood of an eruption in Bárðarbunga volcano located in the northwestern corner of Vatnajökull glacier, Southeast Iceland, after continued earthquakes in the area this morning, mbl.is reports.

The Icelandic Met Office, which oversees not only the weather but also earthquakes and possible volcanic eruptions in Iceland, increased the danger level from yellow to orange, which indicates that the volcano shows heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption. The next and highest level code is red, which is issued when an eruption begins.

Kristín Jónsdóttir at the Icelandic Met Office told RÚV that magma was on the move under the glacier, trying to break up in two different locations.